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Fall registration begins for recreation programs

By April Lehmbeck

Children take part in an annual fall tradition by rolling their used pumpkins down a hill during last year’s Rumblin’ Tumblin’ Pumpkin Rolldown. (File photo by Deb Jacques)

Children take part in an annual fall tradition by rolling their used pumpkins down a hill during last year’s Rumblin’ Tumblin’ Pumpkin Rolldown. (File photo by Deb Jacques)

EASTPOINTE/ROSEVILLE — Autumn is a time for going back to school, football, digging out those long sweaters and the start of the many fall programs that the Recreation Authority of Roseville & Eastpointe offers.

Once again, there is a lot to choose from, and registration is currently underway for events and programs that range from longtime traditions, like the Big Bird Run, to hands-on activities for children.

“The preschool programs and the gymnastics classes are popular classes,” Recreation Authority Executive Director Tony Lipinski said in an email regarding programs coming this fall. “Zumba is very popular, and the other exercise classes are gaining (in popularity) also.”

Recreation Authority Chair and Roseville City Council member Sam Aiuto said in an email that combining Eastpointe and Roseville’s recreation departments is still a work in progress, but it is resulting in many opportunities for residents.

“Whether they want to be active in sports or park activities, there is an unbelievable amount of programs being facilitated by the staff at the authority,” Aiuto said. “If you want more leisure things to do and just visit with some fun seniors, that’s possible, too.

“When both cities approved their respective millages, the authority had to be built from scratch,” he said. “We’ve had bumps in the road, but there would be no programs if those millages weren’t approved. As chairman of the authority, I am very proud of the staff and volunteers who work hard to improve the quality of life for Eastpointe and Roseville residents.”

With only a few authorities in the state, Eastpointe and Roseville are among those leading the way.

“More will be coming online as the need to consolidate services continues,” Aiuto said. “We’ve embraced the opportunity to serve both cities, even with our blemishes, to enhance how we use our parks and our recreation facilities.

“Whether you’re 3 years old or 93, we have programs you can enjoy, or you can come to the authority building and bring sunshine to another resident’s life,” he said. “We welcome ideas and criticism. It will only improve your overall experience.”

There are several programs for preschool-age children, including Parent and Tot Playschool and Preschool at the Park.

For young children who might enjoy making healthy treats, the Kids in the Kitchen program would tempt their taste buds. For those who like science, dinosaurs or drawing, there are programs for them to explore their interests, too.

For those who want to put on their dancing shoes, there are classes in ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop and more.

The authority is registering children for several fall sports opportunities. Girls in fourth through sixth grades can register for basketball, with practices beginning in late September.

Start Smart Soccer and Start Smart Basketball programs are open to children ages 3-5 from Sept. 14 to Oct. 19. The deadline to register is Sept. 6.

Boys and girls can register for a second-grade basketball program, and second-grade girls can sign up for a cheerleading program.

For children and adults, there are opportunities to learn to play keyboard or guitar.

Adults can get fit with a number of exercise opportunities, including yoga and line dancing.

The 35th anniversary of the Big Bird Run will take to the streets Nov. 10. Participants can register for a 10k, 4k or the popular 1 Mile Fun Run.

The Recreation Authority stated in its fall newsletter that the event attracts more than 800 runners of all abilities.

Punt, Pass & Kick registration will run through Sept. 20 for the free event, which is scheduled for Sept. 23.

Halloween fun is planned for Oct. 26, when children ages 18 months to 12 years can take part in the “Spooktacular” Halloween Trick or Treat Trail at Memorial Park.

The fall wouldn’t be complete without a big tradition in the area, when children will gather with their pumpkins after Halloween Nov. 1 to take part in the 11th annual Rumblin’ Tumblin’ Pumpkin Rolldown.

For moms looking for deals, there is a fall Mom-2-Mom Resale Oct. 26.

People who are looking forward to winter activities can use the fall to get ready with a snowmobile safety class Oct. 19.

Senior citizens also have a number of options that they can choose, including Senior Hi-Steps Exercise, among many other activities.

Information on all of the fall programs and classes can be found in the authority’s fall newsletter, which can be accessed by visiting Roseville’s website at www.roseville-mi.gov.

For more information about fall programming, call the Recreation Authority at (586) 445-5480.